Fly fishing near Calgary for a youth, not on the Bow

[Scottmisfits]

Hey guys, looking to get my son out fly fishing. My dad and I normally head out to a few different places on the Bow but I don’t want to take him there. What about someplace like Crossfield pond? A creek that might be open this weekend? Within an hour of the city and somewhat easily accessible as my arthritis is kicking my butt this week.

I tried the Alberta fishing guide but not knowing what those places are it’s making it tough.

Thank you for any suggestions that you might have for us.

[Jokey75]

Winchell Pond near Airdrie is very accessible from what I understand.

J

[Unclerj]

Winchell is easier with a boat as a lot of it is very marshy and soft around the edges. There are a few places where people have put some pallets that your can stand on so you might be able to fish from there.

McLean Pond would be better, but save that one for later in the summer. I was out there the other night and it was very, very brown and I never saw a single fish. It hasn't been stocked yet.

I'm not sure if the any of the stocked lakes up towards the mountains are ice free yet as there was still quite a bit of snow in the trees west of Bragg Creek.

If they are ice free, Quarry Lake in Canmore and Wedge Pond might be ok and it looks like they might be stocking them with trout this year as they both have new limits in the regulations.

Your best bet might be to check the latest stocking report and head out to a lake that has just been stocked close to your side of the city.

[Scottmisfits]

Thanks guys

[Scottmisfits]

How’s Barrier lake from shore? I think we might head west and it’s close to a couple other places we’re looking at. I can’t find it listed specifically in the reg’s and am having trouble deciphering where it may fall in with the opening dates.

[kilgoretrout]

Keep in mind east slope streams are closed till mid June .... A good place to take a youngster is Sibbald Meadows Pond not to be confused with Sibbald Lake lots of little brookies and stocked rainbows perfect for kids

[i love fishing]

Originally Posted by Unclerj

Winchell is easier with a boat as a lot of it is very marshy and soft around the edges. There are a few places where people have put some pallets that your can stand on so you might be able to fish from there.

McLean Pond would be better, but save that one for later in the summer. I was out there the other night and it was very, very brown and I never saw a single fish. It hasn't been stocked yet.

I'm not sure if the any of the stocked lakes up towards the mountains are ice free yet as there was still quite a bit of snow in the trees west of Bragg Creek.

If they are ice free, Quarry Lake in Canmore and Wedge Pond might be ok and it looks like they might be stocking them with trout this year as they both have new limits in the regulations.

Your best bet might be to check the latest stocking report and head out to a lake that has just been stocked close to your side of the city.

From looking at the stocking plans, I only see bear pond and big iron. Quarry lake had brown trout already though.

[Scottmisfits]

Since this has been posted we have tried Sibbald, Crossfield, Cipperly’s, and Emerson Lake. Three of the four produced, one well enough to keep a couple, even though I got skunked there.

Thank you for all the help.

I’ve had fly gear for about 15 years, gone out here and there with it, but this year has been a big change and I’m really enjoying it. New waders, wading boots, belly boat, a crap ton of new flies (and I still need some more), and more coming. I am looking for a new set up for the bow river. I have the reel picked, now it’s just a matter of the rod/blank which is already in the planning process. Some new line for me on my 5 weight as I was looking at my sons and it’s spider webbed. He doesn’t go out even as much as I do so he can have my new “budget” line.

The money hasn’t been there for the last few years to really get up to speed with all the new toys that I want in al of my hobbies, but this is one that I am really enjoying and look forward to every weekend.

[i love fishing]

You could try out Kids Can Catch Pond next to bow habitat station. I used a size 18 pheasent tail ~3' under an indicator and caught 2 right away. Just drop it right off the dock and you probably will catch some. They also came for the micro hopper that I used as my indicator.